“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1.8-10
Twice in these verses John repeats this phrase – “if we claim.” The focus is on us, it’s on “we.” And it’s on our assertion not on God’s. Both involve us claiming to be “without sin,” or claiming that we “have not sinned.” These claims are proven false by our actions.
Claiming to be without sin is a lie. When we do so John says, “we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” This is how people, including me, justify sinning. We are self-deceived. We are believing a lie that we are not sinners, yet in truth, that is exactly what we are. Also, the word says, if we claim we have not sinned, v.10, “we make God out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” So who is the liar here? Us or God?
Yet right in the middle of these two claims about whether or not we admit we are sinners, we find a verse to set us free — “if we confess” — it’s the conditional “if” — “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
This is why accountability and regular confession to Christ and to others matters. Because when we confess, the process to purity begins. First, we admit we are sinners. Second, he forgives us, and in doing so, third – he purifies us.
There have been times when I fought the big sins and allowed the little sins. You know what I mean. The outright actions in public were controlled and rejected, but the inward thoughts of self-deception and self-gratification were indulged. But hidden, secret sins are just as destructive as outward visible ones. Any action which separates us from Gods best for us is sinful. And our only course of actions is confession, honesty and repentance.
The good news is found in the midst of our deception, in the midst of our lies – Christ promises to redeem us and to set us free. The relationship is transactional — if we do this, God does that. If we confess, he forgives. If we run from sin, he covers us with his blanket of purity.
We are not alone in this race. We are not unaware, we are not unequipped. God is with us. He loves us and will uphold us with his righteous right hand. No matter what sin struggles you face, God is here and God is near.
Will you run to the Father? Confess your sins and you will find him willing and rejoicing to renew your heart to his original design for you. A design for love, grace and purity.
“O Lord God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for your power and forgiveness. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence. Help me desire redemption more than I want sin. Help me live according to your ways. Transform my thoughts, heart and mind for you. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen